Optimized Numerical Model Based Assessment of Wave Power Potential of Marmara Sea

Marmara Sea, located between Black Sea and Aegean Sea, is an important sea for ocean engineering activities. In this study, wave power potential of Marmara Sea was investigated using the third generation spectral wind-wave model MIKE 21 SW with unstructured mesh. Wind data was obtained from ECMWF ERA-Interim re-analyses wind dataset at 10 m with a spatial resolution of 0.1 degrees for the period of 1994 to 2014. The numerical model was calibrated with measured wave data from a buoy station located in Marmara Sea. Mesh optimization was also performed to obtain the most suitable mesh structure for the study area. This study is the first that dealt with the determination of wave energy potential of Marmara Sea. The numerical model results are presented in terms of monthly, seasonal and annual average of wave power flux (kW m(-1)). The maximum wave power flux is 1.13 kW m(-1) and occurs in November. The overall annual mean wave power flux during 1994-2014 is found to be 0.27 kW m(-1) in the offshore regions.